Texas Nuclear Reactor Is Shut
Due to Concerns About a Leak

Officials have discovered a small leak at a nuclear reactor southwest of Houston, forcing the unit's closure and raising questions and concerns about the source of the problem.

The leak was found at the South Texas Project in Wadsworth, 90 miles from Houston, where officials said they discovered a powdery residue about the size of half an aspirin April 12. The residue proved to be boric acid, indicating cooling water leaked from the bottom of the reactor vessel through two holes where instruments are inserted into the...